Who says grassroots competitions are only for the local folks? That is not what the Rotary Club of St. Cloud is seeing this year as they kick off the first wakeboard and wakeskate competition on the shores of East Lake Tohopekaliga at Lakeshore Park in St. Cloud, Florida. “We are registering competitors from as far as Italy, UK, Japan, and Canada, as well as from the home states such as California, Colorado and the Carolinas. Besides registering to compete, I’m also getting contacted for some last minute coaching sessions before the big event.” says Chad Brown, water sports coach from Time on the Water in Orlando.

Canadian wakeboarder, Daniel Dyek read about the competition in Wakeboard Alliance magazine and decided to come to Florida and stay for a couple of months to sort out his future path as an aspiring professional wakeboarder. Daniel said he could think of no better place to sharpen his skills and compete.

The Florida climate agrees with athletes like biologist, Lisa Brown, who is from Boulder, Colorado. At age 24, she has been coming to Florida every year to vacation and hit the wakes, but this time she admits, “It’s a bonus for me to hear of the recent news of Burnham Institute’s commitment to Central Florida. Life science is my other passion, so I’m planning to stick around this year and find my niche personally and professionally.”

The sport of Wakeboarding and Wakeskating is full of creativity offering individual styles of body movement while in the air. Judges love the creative factor of the individuals. “It simply never gets old to see the new moves by these athletes.” says Kyle Hymes, a pro wakeboarder who will be judging at the Wakefest. “Even if you aren’t into the sport, passersby love to see the height these competitors gain from the wake of the boat! It is a great spectator sport for all ages.” continued Hymes.

The Spring Fling also includes a Bass Tournament, Karaoke, motorcycles, boats and classic car display, midway carnival rides, a tailgate or “cornhole” toss competition, garden tractor pull, arts and crafts, food and fun. The event is free admission and parking for spectators. For registration information, go to www.Time-OnTheWater.com or www.rotaryclubofstcloud.org